Stellantis strives to reduce battery weight by as much as 50% in its electric vehicles, working on new battery chemistries to match the weight of traditional gas cars.
Stellantis collaborates with battery tech firms to explore suitable chemistries for lightweight batteries.
The company invests in Lyten, developing lightweight lithium-sulfur batteries, and explores sodium-ion alternatives.
Stellantis inaugurates Europe’s major battery testing hub, the Mirafiori Battery Technology Center in Turin.
Stellantis has unveiled its plan to halve battery weight in its forthcoming EVs, aiming to bridge the weight difference between EVs and their gasoline counterparts. This endeavor involves collaborating with multiple battery technology enterprises to research the most efficient and viable battery chemistries.
Ram 1500 Revolution | Photo: Ram
This commitment was emphasized during the launch of the Mirafiori Battery Technology Center in Turin, Italy. Ned Curic, the group’s chief engineer, expressed concerns about the substantial weight of current batteries. He emphasized the significance of advancing towards lightweight batteries and optimizing cell packaging to ensure future EVs’ success.
Ram 1500 Revolution Battery-electric Vehicle (BEV) Concept side profile
Presently, the lithium-ion batteries in EVs are considerably hefty, compromising their efficiency, performance, and safety. To provide perspective, the battery in a GMC Hummer EV weighs roughly the same as an entire Honda Civic.
Ram 1500 Revolution Battery-electric Vehicle (BEV) Concept rear 3/4 driving
In its pursuit of innovation, Stellantis has invested in the Californian battery firm Lyten, which is at the forefront of crafting lightweight lithium-sulfur batteries. These batteries, as claimed by the San Jose-based company, not only have a reduced weight by 60% but also offer thermal runaway resistance and cost less due to the elimination of materials like nickel, manganese, cobalt, and graphite.
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Stellantis also highlighted the potential of sodium-ion batteries. CATL’s pioneering sodium-ion battery boasts of impressive energy density, rapid charging, and superior thermal stability. Reports suggest that Chinese car manufacturer Chery might be the first to integrate CATL’s sodium-ion batteries into its vehicles.
Ram 1500 Revolution Battery-electric Vehicle (BEV) Concept interior
Stellantis recently opened their new Battery Technology Center in Turin. This $43 million center, covering 8,000 square meters, is now one of Europe’s top locations for battery testing and development.
Additionally, Stellantis is collaborating with France’s National Centre For Scientific Research and Saft, a TotalEnergies subsidiary, on the Intelligent Battery Integrated System (IBIS) that aims to amalgamate inverter and charger functions, enhancing space efficiency and range.
